Saquon Barkley

in our view

Barkley is a clean football player on and off the field and his versatility as a runner and receiver makes him an immediate weapon in the NFL. He belongs in the conversation with Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley for the distinction of best running back prospect to enter the NFL over the last decade.

strengths

Sculpted, athletic body type and has worked hard to pack on muscle to his frame. Able to make athletic movements in any direction with twitchy stop-and-shake skills. Springs in his calves to make sharp cuts without gearing down. Vision to anticipate cutback lanes and find escape routes. Instant acceleration through the hole and sustains his speed to be a home run threat. Runs low to the ground with the core strength and leg drive to finish through contact. Natural pass-catching skills with fluid body control. Improved details as a route runner to separate from linebackers and safeties out of the backfield or in the slot. Doesn’t shy from taking on contact as a blocker. Experienced kickoff returner, averaging over 27 yards in college with two kickoff return touchdowns. Hardworking and humble with instilled work ethic, getting the most out of his ability. Genuine individual with unselfish character. Finished his career top-three in several rushing categories in Penn State history. – Dane Brugler 11/28/2017

compares to

LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers – With his lower body explosiveness and ability to create big plays in different ways, Barkley flashes Tomlinson-esque impact with the ball in his hands. But perhaps the best similarity between the two talents is their ability to impact the game both rushing and receiving.

weaknesses

Overly patient at times with a bad habit of stopping his feet in the backfield. Abandons developing holes too quickly, looking to bounce runs outside instead of taking what is available – scorer’s mentality gets him in trouble searching for home runs instead of taking the singles or doubles. Will have the occasional focus lapse as a receiver and needs to improve his consistency on throws away from his body. Too much of a catcher in pass protection and needs to develop an aggressive punch to stay off his heels. Only four 100-yard games as a junior. – Dane Brugler 11/28/17

Three-year letterman and team captain his senior year at Whitehall High School for head coach Brian Gilbert

First-team all-state (AAAA) by Pennsylvania Football News

Rushed for 1,856 yards, 8.6 yards per carry and recorded 31 total touchdowns his senior year

Had three interceptions and five tackles for loss as a senior

Two-time All-Lehigh Valley Conference selection

Helped lead Whitehall to league titles as a sophomore and junior

Rushed for 1,506 yards and recorded 27 touchdowns as a junior

Tallied 284 rushing yards and five total scores as a sophomore

Rated a four-star prospect by 247Sports.com, ESPN, Rivals.com and Scout.com

Ranked as the ninth-best running back in the nation and the top prospect in Pennsylvania by 247Sports.com

Rated by Scout.com among the top five prospects in the state

Participated in The Opening, held on Nike's campus in summer 2014

Played in Offense-Defense Bowl

Lettered in basketball and track

Won the gold medal in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference boys 100 meters.

Full name is Saquon Barkley

Son of Alibay Barkley and Tonya Johnson

Has two brothers, Rashard Johnson and Ali Barkley, and two sisters, Shaquona and Aliyah Barkley

Father participated in boxing in college

Brother, Rashard, played football and wrestled

Hobbies include working out, hanging out with friends and reading

Plans on majoring in business

Born February 7, 1997 in Bronx, N.Y.

2017

2016

2015